How Baťa’s heritage became a modern icon of Tatrasvit production
Tatrasvit, with a history spanning over 90 years, has become synonymous with quality in the production of socks and stockings in Slovakia. In an interview, they shared their views on the "Made in Slovakia" project, the challenges they face in production, and their vision for a future full of innovation and sustainability.
What do you think about the "Made in Slovakia" project, and why did you decide to support it?
We see the "Made in Slovakia" project as a great initiative that supports domestic companies, increases their visibility, and helps maintain jobs in Slovakia. By encouraging buyers to prefer Slovak products, the project directly supports local producers and helps strengthen the domestic economy.
How was the idea of the Tatrasvit brand born, and what was its initial inspiration?
You would have to ask Jan Antonín Baťa, who conceived the idea more than 90 years ago. From the available information, the Baťa brothers in the 1930s were looking for investment opportunities beyond shoes to expand their business. This led to the development of the town of Svit and the establishment of a factory for the production of artificial silk and cellulose. Later, the company expanded to include the production of hosiery and underwear. Bata's vision was to build a large-scale production of socks as accessories to his shoes. While sock production already existed in Bohemia, the aim was to build a factory exclusively for the Slovak market.
Tatrasvit produces approximately 2 million pairs of socks and 200.000 pairs of tights annually. What are the biggest challenges for you with such a production volume?
The biggest challenges are ensuring consistent quality control throughout the entire production process, effective inventory management, and optimizing production efficiency. Additionally, securing a steady supply chain for sourcing materialshas been a significant issue, especially since many supplier companies collapsed during COVID-19, forcing us to find new partners. Most crucially, retaining and training a skilled workforce —our production colleagues—remains essential, as their expertise is vital for maintaining production.
How do you approach sustainability and environmental aspects in production?
Tatrasvit addresses sustainability and environmental aspects by implementing eco-friendly practices such as reducing waste, using energy-efficient technologies, and sourcing sustainable materials. Tatrasvit holds the OEKO-TEX® quality certificate, which guarantees the safety of the dyes used and the environmental friendliness of their processing. Additionally, Tatrasvit holds the international GOTS biotextile certification, an organic certification standard with embedded ethical and ecological requirements from seed through cultivation, textile processing, production, packaging, and distribution. This certification ensures strict ecological production control and frequent checks of social conditions in accordance with Fair Trade standards. It is the best guide for those seeking quality and purity in all respects.
What are your future plans for innovation and product portfolio development?
In the future, we plan to invest in research and development to create new, innovative products that meet the evolving needs and preferences of consumers. A key strategy for Tatrasvit in driving innovation and product portfolio growth will be to collaborate with designers and industry experts to stay ahead of market trends and consumer demands.
Curious about the production of quality stockings and how it works at Tatrasvit's facility? Watch our reportage video from a visit to their factory in Svit.